In the past year, Harry Potter worked wonders in my household. Those books became my secret weapon for establishing a peaceful bedtime routine. I would settle on the edge of my son’s bed, and as I began to read, a hush would fall over him as if I had cast a captivating spell. No more distractions from YouTube, Kindle, or Minecraft—Harry Potter effortlessly guided my son to dreamland, where he would listen intently, ask questions, and eventually drift off to sleep.
These enchanting tales also served as a powerful motivator for good behavior. One more sibling squabble or cheeky remark meant no reading time that evening. The series wielded more influence than any wand, effectively easing the occasional tension between my two boys.
Moreover, the books acted like a magical potion, rivaling any ADHD medication. Before my son’s medication kicked in, his energy was boundless, sometimes making his behavior a bit challenging. But the prospect of diving into the Harry Potter saga always captured his interest, allowing him to focus and engage with the story.
As we neared the conclusion of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I found myself stalling. Although I was just as eager to see how Harry would defeat Voldemort (I had my suspicions!), I dreaded the thought of the series ending. It wasn’t just about parting with beloved characters; I feared that it might signal the end of our cherished reading time together.
Jim Thorne, an educator and author, emphasizes the importance of reading aloud to children, even those who can read independently. He offers two compelling reasons: First, a child’s listening comprehension often exceeds their reading skills until around fifth grade. Second, shared reading fosters conversations that might not otherwise occur—much like the discussions my son and I enjoyed while exploring the wizarding world.
As a former English teacher, I deeply appreciate the first point, but it’s the second that resonates with me more. Those reading sessions became a special time for us, filled with stories and laughter. It’s not just about the catnap I occasionally sneak in while tucking him in (hey, leading by example, right?). Those moments were invaluable, allowing us to chat about his day, baseball, and the ever-complicated world of girls. Often, we didn’t discuss anything specific; we simply enjoyed the adventure together.
I didn’t want to lose that connection. My son already spends much of his time immersed in his room, happily watching videos, jamming to music, or building in Minecraft. I know that eventually, he’ll enter that phase where hanging out with parents is about as appealing as cleaning the garage. But thankfully, he’s not there yet, and I want to keep it that way. I genuinely enjoy spending time with him.
The magical realm of Harry Potter kept us close for nearly a year. While it may not involve vanquishing dark wizards, that bond remains my favorite accomplishment from our time with the series.
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In summary, the magic of shared reading, particularly with the Harry Potter series, not only helped create a peaceful bedtime routine but also strengthened the bond between my son and me. It transformed ordinary moments into something truly special.